Global reinsurance broker and advisory firm Gallagher Re has agreed to acquire Resilea (Pty) Ltd., the largest independent reinsurance broking firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Gallagher Re CEO for EMEA Hamish Dowlen said the acquisition immediately bolsters the firm’s presence and scale on the continent by integrating a highly experienced team known for its data-led, client-centric approach.
“This acquisition represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen our market position, diversify our client offering, and broaden our capabilities across South Africa,” he said.
As part of the deal, Iain Macindoe will assume the role of chairman for South Africa at Gallagher Re.
Mathew Macindoe, who previously served as managing director at Resilea, will become the regional director and CEO of the South African business.
Other specific details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Gallagher Re’s strategy of global scale and specialization is not confined to South Africa. The firm has been executing similarly aggressive expansion and strategic moves across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The most notable recent move in the region came in September, when Gallagher Re agreed to acquire Sydney, Australia-based reinsurance broking firm Steadfast Re Pty Limited.
The acquisition of Steadfast Re directly boosted Gallagher Re's existing footprint and capabilities in the Australasian market.
The firm also unveiled its new cyber reinsurance framework for the APAC region, designed to address the region’s quickly evolving market needs.
To further lead its regional efforts, Gallagher Re has appointed Parrus Kunvarji as executive director, customized solutions – APAC.
These moves come as the APAC reinsurance sector navigates a period of significant change. According to Gallagher Re’s October 2025 Market Watch, the region saw economic growth slow in 2024, with mature economies expanding by 1.4% and emerging markets by 5.1%. Non-life premium growth also moderated to 6.0% in 2024.
